The following are a list of the AP courses offered at GraniteBayHigh School:

AP Art History (UC/CSU) 11-12

An advanced class designed to provide students with a critical understanding and enjoyment of man’s painting, sculpture, and architecture. The class will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination (AP exam). Readings, slides, discussions, and field trips will be used to teach students about the history of art. Outside attendance of some art showings and/or exhibits may be required.

AP Biology (UC/CSU) 10-12

An advanced level biology course designed to be equivalent to a college introductory biology course. This course differs from CP Biology in the depth of study and amount of quantitative analysis in the laboratory work. We will complete all 12 AP labs, going into depth on topics such as genetics and DNA, enzyme function, photosynthesis and more. The course is fast paced and students need to be prepared. The course is intended to prepare students to pass the AP exam in May (which may make students eligible for college credit). Students are expected to take the AP exam in May.

Recommendation: Grade of “C” or better in Integrated Math 2 and English (or concurrent enrollment.) Strong reading and reasoning skills are recommended. Completion of, or enrollment, in Physiology prior to the May test is strongly recommended.

Prerequisite(s): CP Biology with grade “B” or better and CP Chemistry with grade “B” or better or Honors Chemistry with grade “C” or better. Students must complete Chemistry prior to taking AP Biology.

AP Calculus AB (UC/CSU) 11-12

An advanced placement course designed for university preparatory students. This course provides instruction in the concepts of limits, continuity, derivatives, and anti-derivatives of algebraic functions. The basis concepts in algebra set theory and trigonometry are reviewed briefly before they are used to study limits.

Prerequisite(s): Grade of “B” or better in Honors Pre-Calculus.

AP Calculus BC (UC/CSU) 11-12

The second course of Calculus includes the study of definite integrals, differentiation and integration of trigonometric, logarithmic, and inverse functions. A score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam enables students to receive college credit in calculus at selected colleges or universities.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of AP Calculus (Honors).

AP Chemistry (UC/CSU) 11-12

A second-year chemistry course designed to be equivalent to general college chemistry. The emphasis here is the frequency and individual design of quantitative and qualitative lab work to complement a more in-depth discussion of topics not covered in CP or Honors Chemistry in order to prepare students for the AP Chemistry exam in May which may entitle them to college credit. Students are expected to take the AP test in May.

Recommendation: Integrated Math 3 and reasoning skills are needed.

Prerequisite(s): Grade of “C” or better in Honors Chemistry or a “B” or better in CP Chemistry. Students must be currently taking or have completed AP Calculus.

AP English Language (UC/CSU) 11-12

Students in this course will develop writing flexibility and skill in a variety of writing modes which can be applied in all subject areas in college and in personal and professional situations which require writing. Writing will focus on Narration, Exposition, and Argumentation modes. Students will read a variety of non-fiction as models for their writing. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring the skills necessary to pass the AP Language and Composition exam. This college-level course requires a high level of motivation and commitment due to the extensive reading and writing requirements. Several non-fiction works will be required reading over the summer in preparation for the course. May be offered only one term each school year.

AP English Literature and Composition (UC/CSU) 12

Students in this course will read and analyze short stories, novels, drama and poetry. Students will interpret, analyze, and evaluate these works through discussion and written composition. Some creative writing will be required, particularly in reference to the different styles of authors read in class. Emphasis will be placed on the skills necessary to pass the AP Literature and Composition exam. This college-level course requires a high level of motivation and commitment due to the extensive reading and writing requirements. Several novels will be required reading over the summer in preparation for the course. May be offered only one term each school year.

AP European History* (UC/CSU) 10

Designed for the university-bound student; students are expected to possess the skills necessary for college-level performance. Preparation for college testing in European History is a major focus of the course. Students will engage in the process of framing an inquiry, selecting relevant sources and organizing evidence in support of a thesis. Primary and secondary sources of information will be examined and analyzed. Students will build on their skills in logic, analytical reading, critical thinking and high-level expository writing. Students who complete the course are encouraged to take the College Level Examination. A successful performance on the Advanced Placement Exam will enable students to obtain college credit in American History at selected colleges and universities. This course follows the national AP European History framework and not the CaliforniaState Standards for World History.

Recommendation: Grade of “B” or better in English 9; instructor approval. A written essay may be required.

*This course satisfies the World Studies graduation requirement.

*This class is blocked with one of the English 10 classes for a yearlong course.

AP French (UC/CSU) 11-12

This advanced French course is a two-term course designed to enable students to become highly proficient in their communication skills as they explore French speaking cultures and global issues. Students will improve their speaking, reading, writing and listening skills via immersion in the language as well as authentic materials including French films, magazines, newspapers, music, internet sites, literary excerpts, and historical highlights. Students will study a number of global topics, such as personal relations, film and television, politics, current events, family life, science and technology, leisure activities and the environment.

This class is student-centered and involves a number of high-energy interactive activities: role-plays, debates, simulations, skits and spontaneous dialogues. By the end of this course, students will be able to engage in meaningful conversations and speak on topics which interest them. In addition, they will be able to utilize a variety of writing styles, for example, formal and informal letters, articles for a magazine or newspaper, advertisements and reports. Students may choose to take only the first-term course as French 4 or to continue for the year-long course at the end of which they will also have the option of taking the AP exam.

Prerequisite(s):Grade of “B” or better in French 3. Sophomores and Seniors may take this class when they have achieved the proper prerequisites.

AP Japanese (UC/CSU) 11-12

This advance course is designed to prepare students to develop communication skills, to deepen understanding of Japanese culture, and to become effective members of a global community. In this course, students will learn how to use the four linguistic skills; speaking, listening, writing and reading, including 400 kanji characters, in real life situations.

Students will communicate and compare ideas about culture, history, master pieces of art, and current world issues exclusively through the Japanese language. The course offers a content-rich application to maintain and advance language fluency through authentic materials such as magazines, newspaper articles, journals, music, and internet sites. Students have an opportunity to broaden their perspectives as they explore and engage in meaningful topics surrounding current global issues such as environment, politics, and other such themes. Students may choose to take only the first-term course as Honors Japanese 4 or to continue for the year-long course at the end of which they will also have the option of taking the AP exam.

Prerequisite(s): Grade of “B” or better in Japanese 3. Sophomores and Seniors may take this class when they have achieved the proper prerequisites.

AP Physics B (UC/CSU) 11-12

This course will be offered spring term immediately following the AP Physics C (Mechanics) course. AP Physics B will cover the topics not included in Physics C, including Fluids, Thermodynamics, Sound, Waves, Light & Optics, Electricity, Magnetism, and Nuclear Physics. It will cover a broad range of demonstrations, labs, and projects, and may include field trips to supplement the curriculum (Possible trips include the SF Exploratorium, Lawrence Livermore Lab, Squaw Valley Tram Building, the Stanford Linear Accelerator, and Morrison Planetarium).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of AP Physics C.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus will help, but is not required.

AP PHYSICS C (Mechanics): (UC/CSU) 11-12

This course is Calculus-based and covers the first half (Mechanics) of a full Physics curriculum. This class will be offered fall term only, and it is highly recommended that students also take AP Physics B in the spring term immediately following this course. The course will thoroughly cover Mechanics, including projectile motion, forces, momentum, gravity, work, energy, and oscillating motion. However, students hoping to take just one term of AP Physics will be missing key material for college Physics unless they also take AP Physics B in the spring. This is vital subject matter for engineering, medical, or science research careers. Please realize this is a very fast moving curriculum, and it requires good problem solving and math skills (including concurrent or past enrollment in Calculus).

Prerequisite(s): Completion of Honor Pre-Calculus with a grade of “B” or better, concurrent enrollment or completion of AP Calculus.

Recommendation: Students should also sign up for AP Physics B in the spring term immediately following AP Physics C, as that class will cover additional topics and continue to

prepare students for the AP Exam in May.

AP PSYCHOLOGY (UC/CSU) 11-12

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Some of those subfields include: personality development, psychological disorders, states of consciousness, memory, intelligence, and more. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. No prerequisite required.

AP SPANISH: (One Year Long Course) (UC/CSU) 11-12

This advanced course is a two-term course that provides students with the language learning experiences that will enable them to communicate in Spanish in a wide range of situations. Students will continue to strengthen and apply their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on using these skills in realistic contexts utilizing authentic materials such as recordings, film, newspapers, magazines, internet sources, pod-casts, literary works and historical readings. Students will study and discuss a variety of worldwide topics and current events on such things as relationships, politics, technological advances, and the environment.

This course is an immersion course (conducted exclusively in Spanish) that will develop students speaking and listening skills via dialogues, projects, presentations, interviews, role-plays, simulations and debates. Students will also hone their writing skills to include a variety of styles (articles, reports, advertisements, and formal and informal letters) and use of the appropriate register (formal or informal).

By the end of this course students will be able to carry on meaningful conversations on many topics, understand and be understood by non-native and native speakers, be able to write naturally in various formats, and be more culturally aware with a focus on a global perspective.

Students may choose to take only the first-term course as Spanish 4 or to continue for the year-long course at the end of which they will also have the option of taking the AP exam.

Prerequisite(s):Grade of “B” or better in Spanish 3. Sophomores and Seniors may take this class when they have achieved the proper prerequisites.

AP STUDIO ART (UC/CSU) 12

An advanced performance-based course emphasizing development of a portfolio of work that will be graded by secondary and college teachers. The portfolio will be graded on quality, concentration, and breadth of formal, technical and expressive means. The completed portfolio is a great addition to college applications, and will allow you to skip an entry level art course. Students must be self-motivated and able to work independently.

Lab Fee:There are costs associated with projects in this course. The instructor will give you specific information within the first week of the course.

Prerequisite(s):Completion of Art 3 with a grade of “B” or better (Art 4 is also recommended prior to this course).

AP GOVERNMENT/ECONOMICS (UC/CSU) 12

This course is designed for the advanced student who desires to continue studying at the college level. It provides students an opportunity to gain a critical perspective on government, politics and economics in the United States. It involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and Economics, and the analysis of 34 specific case studies. Students will strengthen their skills in logic, analytical reading, critical thinking and high-level expository writing. Students who complete the course are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Placement History Examination. A successful performance on the Advanced Placement Exam will enable students to obtain college credit at selected colleges and universities. This course follows the national A.P. United States Government framework and not the California State Standards for Government; the Economics curriculum is non-AP specific and follows state standards.

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY* (UC/CSU) 11

Designed for university-bound students; students are expected to have skills necessary for college level performance. AP U.S. History is a rigorous, in-depth examination of the course of American economic, political and social development from colonial to contemporary times. Preparation for academic success in college work and testing is a major focus of this course. Students will engage in the process of framing an inquiry, selecting relevant sources and organizing evidence in support of a hypothesis using primary and secondary sources of information in their analysis. Students will strengthen their skills in logic, analytical reading, critical thinking and high-level expository writing. Students who complete the course are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Placement History Examination. A successful performance on the Advanced Placement Exam will enable students to obtain college credit in American History at selected colleges and universities. This course follows the national A.P. United States History framework and not the CaliforniaState Standards for U.S. History.

Recommendation:Grade of “B” or better in World Studies and English 10 or “C” or better in AP European History; instructor approval; written essay may be required.